Longtime goaltender Jaroslav Halak, who spent 17 seasons within the NHL, introduced his retirement Friday.
The 40-year-old performed his final NHL sport on April 13, 2023, with the New York Rangers. Early within the 2023-24 season, Halak joined the Carolina Hurricanes on an expert tryout however was launched.
“Final 12 months, I accomplished summer time coaching … however when nothing got here of it, I advised myself it was pointless. After that, I didn’t even attempt anymore,” Halak told reporter Tomas Prokop of Slovakia’s Dennik Sport, per translation. “I’m formally ending my profession. I wish to thank my household, buddies, followers and particularly my spouse Petra, who has been by my aspect my complete profession.”
After 581 NHL video games, Jaroslav Halak is hanging up the skates.
Better of luck in retirement! 👏 pic.twitter.com/UErJMw4rLz
— NHL (@NHL) July 18, 2025
A ninth-round choose (No. 271) by the Montreal Canadiens within the 2003 NHL Draft, Halak performed with the Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, New York Islanders, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks and Rangers in his profession.
Halak additionally dressed for one sport with the Sabres after being traded to Buffalo in 2014, however by no means noticed motion with the group, as he was traded simply days later to the Capitals.
He posted a 295-189-69 document with 53 shutouts, a 2.50 goals-against common and a .915 save proportion in 581 profession regular-season video games (555 begins). He additionally went 17-20-0 in 39 playoff video games (37 begins).
Halak’s postseason heroics helped outline his profession, particularly in 2009-10, when he led the Montreal Canadiens to an unbelievable berth within the Japanese Convention ultimate.
The Bratislava, Slovakia, native additionally performed for his dwelling nation on the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver and the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
“It’s been two years, and I’ve come to phrases with not reaching 300 (wins),” Halak advised Dennik Sport. “Trying again on my profession, it’s been a great one. It could have been nicer with 300 wins, however I’ll be proud of 295.”
Halak received the William M. Jennings Trophy in each 2011-12 (Blues) and 2019-20 (Bruins), awarded to the goalie(s) whose group allowed the fewest objectives within the common season.
(Photograph: Dave Sandford / Getty Pictures)
